Ralph Jones Atkinson

1929 - 2024

Atkinson, Ralph Jones

January 10, 1929 - May 2, 2024

Our beloved "Granddaddy Ralph" or just "Ralph" went to be with the Lord on May 2nd after 95 years of a loving and fulfilled life. He was born on January 10, 1929 in Winston-Salem, to Kemp Battle and Lela Hardy Atkinson. He graduated from Gray High School, where he served as Student Body President. Ralph attended UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated with a B.S. degree in Business Administration, Phi Beta Kappa in 1951.

He was a true blue Carolina fan and always held his alma mater dearly in his heart. After graduating, Ralph was drafted into the U.S. Army and attended the Counter- Intelligence School in Maryland. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, where he worked under a United Nations commander. He was sent to Korea to gather intelligence on troop movements, and was at the 38th parallel on July 27, 1953, the day the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed. Ralph was awarded a commendation medal by the G2 Far East Command for recognition of his service on behalf of the U.S. Army while in Korea.

Once Ralph was back in Winston-Salem, he worked as a certified public accountant with A. M. Pullen & Company and met Gayle Hartman, whom he would later marry in 1957. He joined Bruce E. Hall and Company as a partner, where he worked for 31 years, until opening his own accounting firm in 1991. Ralph continued practicing accounting until he was 89 years old, ending his long career with Turlington & Co. At that time, he was the longest continually practicing CPA in the state of North Carolina.

Ralph was a faithful member of Centenary United Methodist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Finance committee. He served on the Shephard's Center Board and enjoyed each Sunday morning in the Chapel Class with friends.

Throughout his life, he was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He cherished spending time with his family, especially at his beloved farm in Siloam, taking walks in the woods, skeet shooting, and cooking pots of chili for the family on the Friday after Thanksgiving. He loved summer vacations at Sunset Beach, fall fishing trips, summers at Westwood pool, coaching Little League baseball, attending dance recitals and Boy Scout campouts, his time with Y Mens group and the W-S Jaycees, and most importantly being with his ever-growing family whom he loved so much and who loved him so much.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Cromer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years; son Mark Atkinson (Marilys); daughters Anna Davis (Allen), and Karen Daves (Scott); 10 grandchildren: Shannon Karpenko (Nick), Ally Davis, Taylor Davis (River Squires), Jacob Davis, Meredith Calva (Cole), Emily Daves (fiancé Pete Brodnax), Chad Daves, Mark Atkinson, Jr., Ellie Atkinson, and Mario Oliver (fiancé Hannah Harris); five great-grandchildren: Bentley and Cooper Malone, Logan Karpenko, Easton Calva, Wren Squires; and sister Dot Baker.

There will be a memorial service at Centenary United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 9th at 2 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 658, Winston-Salem, NC 27102. Condolences may be sent online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral Home

2951 Reynolda Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27106